Here is a question for you. What’s the most important keyword to describe Luxembourg? The answer is simple. It is “multi”. Multinational, multilingual, multicultural. With more than one hundred nationalities living in the Grand Duchy, it should not come as a surprise that Luxembourg has become a true melting pot. Each nationality contributes their own part of an influence. Be it the language references, delicious cuisine, or unique art. Music is not an exception in this case. And here comes Hembadoon with her album “TIME Na NOW”. A recently released collection of ten tunes, leaving its musical stamp, full of soul, afrobeat and Amapiano vibes.
The list of Hembadoon’s credits is impressive as well. Starting early, from signing in a church choir, and then becoming a lead singer of a girlsband. Not to mention a decade spent in corporate Public Relations, before launching her professional music career back in 2021. A lot of these previous musical experiences found their way into her debut album. The songs included on “TIME Na NOW”, cleverly separated by a recurring motive of a musically similar interlude, create a consistent, wholesome delivery. Full of joyful melodies, moments of quiet reflection, or just pure dance energy – the album shines with messages of love, courage, freedom, and inspiration.
Favourite tracks? Other than that I really like all of them, here are my personal highlights. Starting from “Hey Lover”, a perfectly danceable tune, filled with Amapiano beats, and a tribute to a true love. Then there’s “If You See Me”, a delicious soulful ballad which is giving strong Jill Scott vibes. Huge compliment, by the way, both musically and lyrically. And finally, the title track of the album. A huge house-infused anthem, with elements of afrobeat drums, and filled with inspirational thoughts. “I want to inspire, in everything I do, everywhere I move. Leave a legacy”, says Hembadoon in the final seconds of the song, boldly underlining the main drivers behind the entire album.
“TIME Na NOW”, the album, goes beyond the music itself. It is really an ode to living in the now, not missing a single moment of your life. A beautiful, thoughtful message, embedded in every song and something that we do not hear so often in music anymore. Your life is yours, live it to the fullest, and leave a mark. This common thread, leading the listener from the album’s start to its finish, becomes a much welcome mantra, one that I welcome happily. We need more optimism in life these days. And this is what Hembadoon delivers with her raw honesty and her love for music. Empowerment at its best.
Photo: Album cover
More info: https://www.instagram.com/hembabubba
I first saw Hembadoon perform at Bazar in luxexpo, and I have watched her closely since. also saw her at place guillaume during a festival. She is really special and so cultural, it is very pleasing to see. truly has something magical in this album, great review. favorite songs hey Lover and kule kule hemba ayem, I love the meaning of the song, she talked about it when she performed it.